Turn to the Lord in Prayer

I went on a long walk this morning prior to church and enjoyed some time in prayer.  I quite enjoy doing this as it affords me quiet time to think and reflect.  I have had some friends that have been going through some trials lately and I've been praying for them and thought about them again today.  Funny enough we had a lesson in Sunday School today, I attend the Gospel Principles class because the Gospel Doctrine is packed, anyway the lesson was on prayer.  I thought about prayer and how prayers are answered and I thought about some of the challenging times in my life, be that as a missionary 19 years ago or more recently when I lived on the other side of the country.  I knew that there were people praying for me because that was all they could do.  I also know that their prayers were heard and answered through good people and friends that surrounded me in Florida. 

The question was asked "Can you ever pray for something too much?".  I suppose maybe you can, perhaps if an answer was already given, continuing to pray for something because you don't like the answer can be too much.  We know this through church history.  Anyway, the thought came to my mind that right now with my kids being away there isn't a lot I can do for them except to pray.  Just because I am praying for them today doesn't mean I won't pray for them tomorrow.  I don't believe that this would qualify as vain repetition.  This is sincere.  We pray over our families.  We pray for friends in need.  We pray for our leaders.  As we pray with faith, with real intent and a sincere heart we can approach the Lord with confidence. 

There is a line in my Partiarchal Blessing that says "Make the Savior your friend by praying to him."  That is pretty simple instruction.  I sat during the Sacrament and thought about Nephi as he describes falling to temptation and he seems to describe his frustration he has with himself when he falls short.  I can identify with that.  I can also identify with the hope he has in the Savior.  I think he had that friendship with the Savior.  During the Sacrament as I prayed there and pondered the Atonement and that sacred ordinance my heart was full of gratitude for my Savior and friend.  I am humbled by his sacrifice for me and for each of us.  I have not done the best with that instruction given in my Patriarchal Blessing years ago.  I could say like Nephi, Oh wretched man that I am.  Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted and I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life.  I know that he loves me and have felt his love many times.  It is my hope that I can be more diligent in turning to the Lord in prayer and that I can strengthen my friendship with him.